Suicide Prevention Tips for Parents

As we continue to see a rise in adolescent mental health and teenage suicide attempts (especially amongst teen girls), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has renewed its statement on suicide prevention. Below are their tips to help parents navigate these waters. Here is a brief summary of their recommendations:

Why Paying Attention to Mental Health Warning Signs Matters

If you see signs that your child's mental health is under threat, tune in. Sometimes it is easy to feel like there is too much drama, but there may be some element of truth and concern in their unhappiness and complaining. It is good for us parents to listen and validate their concerns, but put them into perspective, as you are a parent with more life experience. Teens can use some tips on how to best handle problems, but avoid talking down to them.

Behavior Changes to Watch For

Pay attention to their behavior and lack of talking. Withdrawing from family activities or self isolating, even from their friends, may indicate they are struggling.

Risk Factors That Can Increase Suicide Concerns

Here are some other risks to consider as you assess if suicide could be a problem:

• Loss of a loved one to death, divorce, deployment, deportation or incarceration
• Bullying (in person or online)
• Discrimination, rejection or hostility due to gender identity or sexual orientation
• Racism, discrimination and related inequities and stressors
• Stigma (the belief that it's wrong or shameful to talk about mental health or suicide)
• Witnessing or suffering violence or domestic abuse
• Financial instability that causes worry and insecurity
• Suicide in their school or friend group
• Major life-changing events, such as a breakup with a dating partner, a change in social connections, academic disappointment or a major health issue
• Self-harming behavior

Know Where to Get Help

• Suicide & Crisis Hotline: call 988
• Gryphon Place: call 269.381.HELP
• Information line for housing, food, utilities, clothing, domestic violence: call 211

References:

• Teen Girls engulfed in Sadness in AAP News Feb 2023
• CDC Media Release and Suicide
• Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Suicide in HealthyChildren.Org
• Suicide Prevention in CDC